Security Forces Bust Terrorist Cell Planning Attacks in Morocco

Members of the Moroccan special forces stand guard inside the Moroccan Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation building. (AFP)
Members of the Moroccan special forces stand guard inside the Moroccan Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation building. (AFP)
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Security Forces Bust Terrorist Cell Planning Attacks in Morocco

Members of the Moroccan special forces stand guard inside the Moroccan Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation building. (AFP)
Members of the Moroccan special forces stand guard inside the Moroccan Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation building. (AFP)

Security agencies in Morocco busted on Monday an ISIS-affiliated terrorist cell in the northern city of Tangier.

After receiving information about terrorist activity, security forces raided four positions in the city, arresting the primary suspect and three members of the cell.

They confiscated a number of weapons and electronic equipment.

Investigations with the suspects revealed that they sought to join ISIS training camps in the Sahel region, but failed, prompting them to turn to plotting dangerous terrorist attacks in Morocco.

Investigators also discovered a recording of one of the members pledging his allegiance to the current alleged leader of ISIS.

The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation said the arrest underscores that terrorism is still a threat in the kingdom, warning that extremists were still plotting operations in the country.

Investigations will continue with the detainees.



China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
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China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state media from both countries.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the visit reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, Morocco's MAP said.
The Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met Xi at the airport, where Xi and Hassan had a "cordial conversation", China's state broadcaster CCTV said.
Xi made the visit after being in Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China has stepped up investments in Morocco's infrastructure and rail sector in recent years.
Morocco's geographic location close to Europe, its free trade agreements with key EU and US markets and its existing automotive industry, make it attractive to Chinese electric vehicle battery makers.
In June, Chinese EV battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech picked Morocco to set up Africa's first gigafactory for a total cost of $1.3 billion.